Longtime local and beloved musician Arnie J. Green passed away on Jan. 18, 2015. Well known in Summit, the community was saddened after his myelofybrosis, a rare form of leukemia, came out of remission and he passed away. Last year, residents had rallied to hold a fundraiser to help with his medical expenses. The event unfortunately became a memorial as he passed the same day as the event.

On Friday, Feb. 5, just over a year after his death, the Goat Tavern in Keystone is hosting an event to celebrate his life. Local musicians John Truscelli, Todd Johnson and Keith Synnestvedt will perform, as well as Summit bands Zuma Road and Dewey Paul Band. There will also be open stage time for any other players who want to participate. Arnie’s daughter, Amy Green — who arrived from California this past Monday — will perform a set as well.

A silent auction fundraiser starts at 6 p.m. for Leon Littlebird. He is battling a recurrence of leukemia for the third time — the same affliction that Arnie battled. Local musician Dewey Paul said he is currently out of the hospital and responding well to alternative treatments, and there will be another benefit for Littlebird in the near future at the Silverthorne Elk’s Lodge.

“After Arnie’s passing last year, with the blessing and participation of his family, we had the intention to create an annual event in his honor,” Paul said. “Being able to provide assistance to one of our own in the community was always the focus and will continue to be the focus of future events as well.”

LIVE MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

The New Mastersounds is my pick of the week for local live music. If you’re still pumped up from the Super Bowl on Sunday and looking to get your dance on, check out this band at Warren Station in Keystone. The venue also promises “Super” half-priced beers if the Broncos win.

FAT TUESDAY

Fat Tuesday is coming up on Feb. 9. Breckenridge is getting the party going with its annual Mardi Gras parade at 4:30 p.m., followed by the Main Street Station Mardi Gras Party at 505 S. Main St. There are promises of free live music, hurricanes, gumbo, dancing and more.

Also on Tuesday, celebrate Mardi Gras with live music from Funky Johnson and gumbo at Keystone Resort. Local chefs will put their gumbo to the test, with judges awarding prizes for Professional and People’s Choice categories. Over $1,400 in prize money will be awarded for first and second choices in the seafood/exotic and chicken/sausage classifications.

LAST CHANCE FOR SNOW SCULPTURES

This is the last weekend to view the snow sculptures near the Riverwalk Center before they disappear Sunday night. Be sure to check out the work of our local Team Breck with their sculpture “The Widow Maker,” winner of the People’s Choice Award.